Offering a wide, specialist knowledge of career and university pathways the Higher Education Department is based in purpose-built offices in the Lord George Building. The team of six staff runs the Higher Education and Careers website where pupils can access links to all of the main platforms we support, including UCAS and Unifrog. The website is a comprehensive digital resource which also offers a diary of work experience opportunities, lectures, workshops, master-classes and summer schools; in addition, pupils will find current information on gap year schemes, insight visits, studying overseas, leavers' destinations and dedicated subject pages for all university curricular areas.
Careers education at Dulwich
Beginning in Year 7 this is delivered in Wellbeing lessons and Form tutorials. Year 10 students are registered on Unifrog and undertake psychometric quizzes on the platform where subject and career matches based on aptitude and individual interests are suggested; this also helps inform A level choices and degree course research. Professional networking events are introduced in Year 11, when pupils are given the opportunity to meet and establish contact with leading professionals in their chosen career sector. Alongside this, all students Year 11 receive one-to-one interviews with external careers advisers and have Wellbeing lessons that focus on careers and plans beyond Dulwich. The Professional Insight programme draws on links with external contacts including Old Alleynians and graduate employers. There is an annual Universities Evening in September at which Year 11 pupils and parents attend talks and seminars with university academics and College staff.
In the Upper School, boys are given detailed, subject-specific guidance on the university application process; they are supported in identifying long-term aspirations and in making informed decisions about degree or apprenticeship course choices. Parents are invited to the College in Year 12 for Beyond Dulwich Evening, a series of lectures run by the Higher Education team exploring career opportunities within the curriculum, and addressing the study options available to their sons - three-year courses at UK universities, degree apprenticeships, international programmes, gap years and deferred entry. The Director of Higher Education leads a series of assemblies and workshops for boys over their two years in the Upper School covering all aspects of the admissions process, from choosing the right course and institution, to preparing personal statements and interview techniques. Gap year pupils are given a comparable level of support and encouragement through our Gap year service featuring a wide range of employers and activity providers.
